4-Day London to Liverpool Road Trip Itinerary

This guide covers a 4-day road trip from London to Liverpool, designed to combine vibrant cities with some truly stunning natural scenery along the way. We’ve also included an optional extra stop if you’re able to start your journey a little earlier.

Inside, you’ll find our top hotel and restaurant recommendations, must-see sights at each stop, and links to some great guided tours if you’d like to make the most of your experience.

The guide also includes a dedicated two-day Liverpool itinerary, featuring hotel and restaurant recommendations, main sights, and everything you need to explore the city at a relaxed pace. This road trip can also easily be adapted for those travelling from London to Manchester, following a very similar route.

In the below video, you can find a summary of a tried and tested 4 day Road Trip, with an additional 2 days of Liverpool.

Day 1 - Oxford

Oxford is located around 1 hour from London Heathrow and approximately 1.5 hours from London Gatwick, making it an easy and convenient first stop on your road trip. Known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and iconic university buildings, Oxford offers plenty to explore and is the perfect way to begin your journey.

Depending on your start time, you can either visit the main sights on the afternoon and evening of Day 1, or split your visit between the evening of Day 1 and the morning of Day 2.

Hotels

It is highly recommended to prioritise a hotel that offers good parking facilities when staying in Oxford. One excellent option is Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford, located just outside the city centre, which provides convenient parking and easy access into Oxford. Another great option is Holiday Inn Oxford by IHG.

Things to do

Oxford has plenty of incredible sights to explore. You can either follow a self-guided walking tour, as outlined below, or choose one of the guided tours which we will also link.

First, you will find all the main sights included in a self-guided route, ideal for those who prefer exploring at their own pace. Afterwards, we’ve included links to some excellent guided tours if you’d like a more in-depth experience. For those visitors who will not be staying in the centre and will be using public transport, it is highly recommended to download the Oxford Bus app, that is available on both the App Store, and the Google Play Store.

1. Christ Church – This stunning landmark is one of the most iconic sights in Oxford. It is well known as a filming location for the Harry Potter film series, making it a must-visit for fans, as well as for anyone who appreciates impressive architecture and historic surroundings.

1. Oxford Castle and Prison – Dating back over 1,000 years, this historic site is a fascinating place to visit. You can admire its impressive architecture from the outside or purchase tickets to explore the castle and prison complex from within.

1. Radcliffe Camera – This iconic circular building forms part of Oxford University and serves as a library. While it is not open to the public, it is still well worth passing by to admire its impressive architecture. Close to it, there is the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin, which is an excellent visit when in the vicinity.

1. Bridge of Sighs – This iconic bridge connects two of Oxford University’s buildings. Located close to the Radcliffe Camera, it’s definitely worth stopping by to admire its unique architecture.

1. Westgate Shopping Centre – This large shopping complex in the heart of Oxford features a wide range of popular stores, including Primark, H&M, JD Sports, and Superdry. A full list of shops can be found on their official website.

1. Restaurants – Oxford has a great selection of dining options. One standout spot for pasta lovers is 100% Pasta. If you’re looking for something quicker, there are also several popular fast food options, including Shake Shack, KFC, Wendy’s, and Five Guys.

1. Guided Tours – For those who prefer a guided experience, this highly rated tour covers the main sights of Oxford and includes several locations used in the Harry Potter films. It has received thousands of positive reviews and is a great way to explore the city in more depth, benefiting from the knowledge and insights of a professional guide.
  
  Alternatively, if you would rather explore at your own pace, you can opt for the hop-on hop-off bus, which stops at the city’s main attractions. Tickets can be purchased through the link provided from here.

Day 2 Stop 1 - Bourton-On-The-Water

Located in the Cotswolds, this stop is less than 45 minutes from Oxford and is a truly charming village, known for its picturesque setting and the beautiful river flowing through its streets. This can either be your first stop of the day or a visit after exploring Oxford in the morning.

For this stop, park your car at Rissington Road Car Park and allow between 1 to 2 hours to stroll around the area. There are several great attractions to explore, including Birdland Park & Gardens, the Model Village, and the Dragonfly Maze.

As part of your walk, we recommend heading up to St. Lawrence’s Church, taking some time to visit, and then continuing your stroll through the village. If you are visiting in the morning, you can also extend your walk to Lower Slaughter and perhaps stop for something to eat there.

Day 2 Optional Stop 2 - Stratford-upon-Avon

This charming city, best known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, is an excellent stop for those visiting Bourton in the morning rather than the afternoon. It is located just 45 minutes from Bourton and around 1 hour from Birmingham, which will be your next stop and the location for your Day 2 hotel.

For this stop, park your car at Rother Street Civic Car Park. From there, you can explore some of the city’s main sights, including Shakespeare’s Birthplace and the Bancroft Gardens. Tickets for Shakespeare’s Birthplace can be purchased here.

Day 2 Stop 2 - Birmingham

Birmingham is located around 1 hour from Stratford-upon-Avon and approximately 1.5 hours from Bourton-on-the-Water. With a great selection of sights, hotels, and restaurants, it makes for an excellent place to spend your second night.

We recommend planning to arrive at around 5-6 pm, giving you enough time to check in, park your car comfortably, and enjoy a relaxed dinner.

Hotel

Similarly to Oxford, it is important to prioritise a hotel that offers excellent parking facilities. One great option is Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham, which provides convenient access along with reliable parking.

Alternatively, for those looking for a more budget-friendly option, ibis budget Birmingham Centre is a cheaper choice. However, do keep in mind that on-site parking may be limited and can fill up quickly.

Things to do

Birmingham has plenty of great sights to explore. Similar to Oxford, you can either visit these on a self-guided walking tour or opt for a guided tour, which will also be linked below. It is recommended to explore the city in the morning of Day 3.

1. Birmingham Cathedral – This stunning cathedral is free to visit and is open Monday to Friday from 7:20 am, and on Saturday and Sunday from 8:20 am. For more details, you can visit the official website.

1. Birmingham Museum of Art – This museum is a great visit for art enthusiasts. It is open from Wednesday to Saturday, starting at 10 am, so it’s worth checking availability before your visit. More information can be found on the official website.

1. Victoria Square – This beautiful square lies at the heart of Birmingham and features striking fountains as well as a large statue of Queen Victoria.

1. Brindley Place – Situated across the river, this area offers several interesting sights and is the perfect spot to continue your morning stroll before returning to your hotel and heading to your next stop.

1. Restaurants – Dining near Brindley Place is highly recommended, as there are plenty of excellent options. Some popular choices include Wagamama and Gourmet Burger Kitchen.

1. Guided Tours – Birmingham is the city in which the popular series Peaky Blinders is located. For those fans who would like a walking tour of the city in the style of slogging gangs, then you can check out this tour.

Day 3 Stop 1 - Dovedale National Park

After exploring Birmingham, head towards Dovedale. This scenic stop is located around 1.5 hours away and offers a great opportunity to enjoy some beautiful natural surroundings.

It is recommended to have lunch in Birmingham before departing. Alternatively, you can make a slight detour via Derby if you prefer to eat later in the day.

Dovedale has a designated car park, with payment available via on-site machines. From there, you can stroll through the area, take in the stunning natural scenery, and enjoy a hike across the hills for some stunning views.

For more information, you can visit the official website.

Day 3 Stop 2 - Castleton

Following your visit to Dovedale National Park, head to Castleton, a charming village located in the heart of the Peak District. It offers a selection of great hotels with convenient parking, good dining options, and easy access to some excellent nearby sights.

We recommend arriving between 5 and 6 pm, allowing enough time to park your car, check in, and enjoy a relaxed dinner at your hotel. The main highlights of the area can then be explored the following morning on Day 4.

Hotel

Castleton offers a selection of great hotels. One highly recommended option is The Castle by Innkeeper’s Collection, which serves excellent pub food, although parking may be slightly limited.

Another great option nearby is Ye Olde Nags Head, located within the same area and offering a similarly convenient base for your stay.

Things to do

There are some excellent natural wonders to explore in this area, making it a perfect place to spend a couple of hours strolling in a peaceful environment between breakfast and lunch on Day 4.

1. Peveril Castle – This stunning hilltop castle offers incredible views over the surrounding area. The climb is quite steep and involves a number of steps, but it is definitely worth the effort. To begin your visit, head to the Peveril Castle Visitor Centre, where admission is typically under £10

1. Peak Cavern (Devil’s Arse) – This impressive cave, located in Castleton, is well worth a visit. You can either enjoy a scenic walk to the entrance or take a guided tour to explore the cave itself. For more information on guided tours and ticket purchases, you can visit the official website.

1. Cave Dale – This scenic valley, located just behind Peveril Castle, features several small caves and offers a fantastic hiking experience. With its peaceful surroundings and stunning views, it is well worth a visit before lunch, especially for those who choose not to take the guided tour of Peak Cavern.

Day 4 Stop 1 - Mam Tor

After enjoying lunch in Castleton, take a short 10-minute drive through the stunning Winnats Pass to reach Mam Tor. Park at Mam Tor Hillfort Car Park, and use the JustPark app (available on the App Store and Google Play) to pay for parking.

From there, stroll up to the summit of Mam Tor and take in the breathtaking views from one of the highest hills in the Peak District. You can then continue along the marked path, and if possible, make your way towards Lose Hill. This area offers some of the most beautiful scenery of the entire road trip.

Liverpool

After visiting Mam Tor, continue your journey to Liverpool, which is located around 1.5 hours away. Upon arrival, you can leave your car and spend around two full days exploring the city.

Liverpool is a vibrant and exciting destination, known for its rich history, iconic sights, great shopping, and excellent food scene, making it the perfect place to end your road trip.

Hotel

Liverpool offers a great selection of hotels, with one of the best areas to stay being Liverpool ONE. This central location is home to a wide range of restaurants and shops, and all the main sights are within easy walking distance.

Two excellent options in this area include Citadines City Centre Liverpool and Holiday Inn Liverpool City Centre by IHG, both offering a comfortable and convenient base for your stay.

Things to do

In this section, we cover all the main sights to visit in Liverpool, along with links to some highly rated guided tours. These sights are organised into different categories based on their location, making it easier to plan your visit. Further below, you will also find a dedicated two-day itinerary for those following this road trip and spending their final two days exploring the city.

Liverpool Centre

1. Radio City Tower (St Johns Beacon) – Standing at almost 140 metres tall, this tower offers stunning views over the city of Liverpool. It is highly recommended to take in the views from here or alternatively from the Liver Building, which will be mentioned in the Liverpool Pier section. For more information on the 360° viewing gallery, you can visit the
  official website.

1. St. George’s Hall – This impressive building showcases stunning architecture and is located in the heart of Liverpool, making it an ideal stop on your walking route towards the nearby museums.

1. Walker Art Gallery – This free to enter gallery showcases a wide range of beautiful artworks from different periods. It is typically closed on Mondays, with opening hours generally from 10 am to 5 pm. Although entry is free, it is highly recommended to leave a small donation to support the gallery. For more details, you can visit this website.

1. World Museum – The oldest museum in Liverpool, it features a diverse range of exhibitions, including dinosaurs, world cultures, and even an aquarium. Similar to the Walker Art Gallery, entry is free, but it is recommended to leave a small donation to support the museum. It is also normally closed on Mondays, with opening hours being from 10 am – 5 pm. For more information, you can visit this website.

Liverpool Waterfront

1. Royal Liver Building – This iconic landmark also offers an impressive 360° viewpoint over the city. For more information, you can visit the official website.

1. Memorial to the Marine Engine Room Heroes – Unveiled in 2008, this memorial commemorates the 32 engineers who lost their lives when the Titanic sank in 1912. It also highlights Liverpool’s historical connection as the ship’s port of registry.

1. The Beatles Statue – Unveiled in 2015, this statue features the four band members in larger-than-life proportions. It is a very popular tourist spot, and you can expect plenty of Beatles fans eager to take photos with it.

1. Museum of Liverpool – This museum highlights the history of Liverpool, featuring a wide range of exhibits about the city’s past as well as some of its most famous residents. For more information, you can visit this website.

Anfield

Liverpool is home to one of the most famous football stadiums in the world, Anfield. For football fans, it is definitely worth a visit. You can take a stadium tour to see the club’s numerous trophies, explore the dressing rooms, and walk around the stadium itself. Tickets can be purchased from the official website. The images of Anfield used on this site were taken by a talented local photographer.

Fans of the club should also take some time to explore the streets around Anfield, where a trail of murals celebrates Liverpool icons such as Steven Gerrard, Ian Rush, Jürgen Klopp, and Diogo Jota.

Guided Tours

Below please find a highly rated guided tours of Liverpool, as well as two separate hop-on hop-off options, one which also includes a river cruise and one which includes more sights of the famous Beatles.

Restaurants

There are several great dining options around the Liverpool ONE area, including popular choices such as Five Guys, Nando’s, and Wagamama. If you’re visiting the Liverpool Waterfront, Pasta Cosa is a great option for Italian cuisine.

Shopping

For those who would like to spend some time shopping, the Liverpool ONE area is an excellent choice. It features a wide range of popular stores, including Primark, River Island, H&M, Sports Direct, and JD Sports.

If you’re a fan of fantasy films and series such as Harry Potter, Wednesday, and Game of Thrones, it is also well worth visiting House of Spells when exploring the Liverpool Waterfront area.

2-Day Itinerary

Day 1 of Liverpool - Liverpool Centre and Shopping

Start your day with breakfast near the Liverpool ONE area, where you’ll find options such as Greggs as well as several great cafés. From there, head to Radio City Tower, where you can either admire it from the outside or go up to the top for panoramic views of the city.

Next, make your way to St. George’s Hall, followed by visits to the Walker Art Gallery and the World Museum.

After exploring these sights, head to a nearby restaurant for lunch, and then return to your hotel to rest.

Once you’re ready to head out again, spend some time shopping in the Liverpool ONE area. For those looking for a fun activity, Gravity Max Liverpool One offers options such as mini golf, darts, and AR bowling. Finally, enjoy dinner at one of the many great restaurants in the area.

Day 2 of Liverpool - Liverpool Pier and

Start your day by heading to the Royal Liver Building. If you haven’t already experienced the panoramic views from Radio City Tower, this is a great opportunity to enjoy stunning views from the top of the Royal Liver Building instead.

From there, make your way to the Memorial to the Marine Engine Room Heroes, followed by the Beatles Statue, and then the Museum of Liverpool.

After exploring these sights, head to Pasta Cosa for an excellent lunch. In the afternoon, it is highly recommended to take a river cruise along with the hop-on hop-off bus, allowing you to enjoy the waterfront from a different perspective and take in the main sights of Liverpool one last time.